The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Wednesday directed the Punjab government to make appointments to the three vacant posts of members of the state VAT Tribunal, within three months. A PIL,filed by Advocate H C Arora, sought directions to the government to make appointments to the post of chairman, as well as the three members of the Tribunal, only in consultation with the high court.

The state had filed an affidavit of J S Kahlon, Special Secretary (VAT), wherein it was stated that the post of chairman of Punjab VAT Tribunal, which is at present occupied by Justice Harbans Lal, would fall vacant on February 14, 2014, and the same would be filed in consultation with the court. In the affidavit, it was stated that the government at present had no intention to appoint any member. The petitioner submitted that the tribunal had to consist of a chairman and three members.